Trees, Shrubs, and Vines

P E N N S Y L V A N I A W I L D L I F E Landscaping for Wildlife: Trees, Shrubs, and Vines

winter landscape. The table on pages 3–4 Selecting Plants lists the fruiting period for many trees, andscaping shrubs, and vines. for wild- ■ Select plants that provide a year-round L Oaks, hickories, beech, and other trees source of food. life can restore critically Many woody plants produce soft mast that produce nuts provide food for mammals like squirrels, chipmunks, and needed habitat and beau- (fruit) or hard mast (nuts) that provides food for both birds and mammals. When deer, and for birds such as blue jays. These tify your yard at the same selecting plants, choose a combination are often large trees, which also offer shade from the summer sun and nest sites time. Many excellent that will supply food throughout the year. For example, blackberries and rasp- for many birds. Many other plants, such native trees, shrubs, and berries provide fruit in summer and are as grapevines, provide multiple benefits including an abundant food supply, dense vines offer four seasons’ consumed by catbirds, chipmunks, rabbits, and other wildlife present in your yard at cover, and nest sites. interest with their fragrant that time. Dogwoods, mountain ash, and flowers, eye-catching fruit, spicebush produce fruit in late summer and early fall and are an important food brilliant fall color, and source for fall migrants. sculptural forms in winter. Make sure to include some plants that The same plants can at- retain their fruit through winter into early spring, the time of greatest food tract a diversity of wildlife scarcity. These plants generally produce with the food, cover, and fruit that is not highly preferred, so the fruit is not consumed during the fall when nest sites they supply. This other foods are abundant. Examples are fact sheet presents guide- hawthorn, crabapple, holly, highbush cranberry, and staghorn sumac. They are lines for selecting woody excellent plants for wildlife because they Rae Chambers plants (trees, shrubs, and offer emergency winter food, and some, such as sumac with its red fruiting spikes, Wild grape vines) and designing your can add structural interest to a bleak Illustration by by Illustration landscape with the goal of providing wildlife habitat. 2

Although we often associate butterflies ever possible, plant combinations of tall with wildflowers instead of woody plants, trees, smaller trees, shrubs, and herba- the larval caterpillars feed on a number of ceous plants together. This is important woody species. For example, tiger swal- because different types of wildlife will find lowtail caterpillars feed on the leaves of food and cover at varying heights. cherry, willow, and sassafras trees; and the spicebush swallowtail, true to its name, ■ Protect what is there during building. feeds on spicebush leaves. By providing a If you are building a new home, there food source for the caterpillars, you will Sidelinger John are probably trees, shrubs, and vines attract more butterflies to your flowers. already established on the property. Before building, you should determine

■ Select plants that provide cover and by Illustration which of these plants you want to protect nest sites. during the lot-clearing process. Talk Cover is a key ingredient in the success with your builder about the importance of your wildlife garden. In winter, wildlife of preserving an assortment of different species need shelter from the cold and plants for wild species, including dead wind. Evergreen trees and shrubs make trees that won’t be a safety hazard. Either some of the best shelters, especially those rope off areas of your lot or mark plants that keep their branches close to the you wish to be spared. Include plants ground. These evergreens give better insu- that can give year-round cover, food, and lation than plants without branches on shelter. the lower part of the trunk. They provide Red squirrel shelter for many types of wildlife, particu- Trees are often damaged during building. larly if they are located on the northwest Bulldozers can damage tree roots while side of your lot where they block cold compacting the soil, making it impossible winds. rock pile, blending it with other landscape for oxygen to reach the root cells. The features while providing an additional result is plant injury or death. Piling soil Evergreen trees, such as pines and source of food and cover. more than 3 inches above the original hemlocks, and evergreen shrubs, like ground level around the trunk can also rhododendron and holly, make safe, Nesting places are vitally important for block the oxygen supply. In addition to year-round retreats where birds and small wildlife. Trees and shrubs that offer cover protecting trees from root damage, you mammals can hide from predators and from predators and inclement weather will need to shield trees from bark inju- be protected from inclement weather. also serve as sites for birds to build nests ries. For more information on protecting Deciduous shrubs with dense branching and raise their young. Tree cavities in trees during building, see A Guide to habits also make good cover. Examples are both living and dead trees provide nest Preserving Trees in Development Projects, raspberries and blackberries; lilacs (which sites for a variety of species, including available from your county extension readily sprout suckers); red-osier, gray, and woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, office. silky dogwoods; and elderberries. Many flying squirrels, and gray squirrels. When of these shrubs also produce berries that nest cavities are scarce, cavity-nesting wildlife readily eat. Diverse types and sizes species will often use bird houses and nest of cover plants are useful to include in boxes. Consequently, if cavities are in your landscape plan, because individual short supply, you can enhance the habitat species of wildlife have different prefer- for cavity nesters by adding nest boxes. ences in the amount and location of cover.

Fallen trees provide cover for salamanders Designing Your Landscape and small mammals. Brush piles and rock As you design your landscape, let nature piles are sources of cover, nest sites, and be your guide and try to copy what you see Chickadee den sites for many wildlife species. A in nature. Plant trees and shrubs in groups Sidelinger John trailing ground cover, such as a ground instead of as isolated individuals. Plant rose, or a vine such as Virginia creeper corridors to connect islands of trees and

can gracefully camouflage your brush or shrubs with other natural areas. When- by Illustration 3

Landscaping Trees, Shrubs, and Vines with Value for Wildlife Name Height (ft) Wildlife value Exposure Fruit/seeds available

Tall trees American beech 70 Excellent food source for many birds and PS-S Fall to winter (Fagus grandifolia) mammals; nest sites Balsam fir 60 Cover; nest sites for robins, mourning doves, FS-S Late spring to (Abies balsamea) and other birds; seeds consumed by finches fall Birch 40–70 Catkins eaten by birds, foliage by browsers FS-PS Early summer to fall (Betula spp.) Black cherry 60 Food for a variety of species, including FS-PS Summer to fall (Prunus serotina) birds, mammals, and larval butterflies (leaves) Butternut 100 Cover, food, and nuts FS-PS Fall to winter (Juglans cinerea) Eastern hemlock 70 Nest sites and cover; food for birds and FS-S Fall to winter (Tsuga canadensis) small mammals Eastern red cedar 40 Cover, food, and nest sites FS-PS Fall to spring (Juniperus virginiana) Eastern white pine 100 Cover, food, and nest sites FS-PS Fall to winter (Pinus strobus) Hackberry 30–60 Fruit attracts many species, including cedar FS-PS Fall to spring (Celtis occidentalis) waxwings, flickers, cardinals, and robins Hickories 80 Nuts, nest sites FS-PS Fall to winter (Carya spp.) Oaks 100 Important food source for both birds and FS Late summer to fall (Quercus spp.) mammals; nest sites Sour-gum, blackgum 100 Fruit attracts many mammal and bird species FS-S Late summer to fall (Nyssa sylvatica) Yellow birch 32–72 Nest sites and seeds, buds; seeds eaten by PS-S Late summer to fall (Betula alleghaniensis) goldfinches, juncos, chickadees

Small trees American crabapple 30 Fruit relished by many songbirds and FS Fall to spring (Malus glaucescens) mammals; butterflies, bees seek flower nectar American holly 30 Cover, nest sites; fruit draws songbirds, FS-PS Late summer to spring (Ilex opaca) ruffed grouse, deer American mountain ash 40 Fruit attracts many birds, including cedar FS-PS Late summer to fall (Sorbus americana) waxwings, eastern bluebirds, gray catbirds, and brown thrashers Chokecherry 30 Eastern bluebirds, grouse, mammals consume FS-S Late summer (Prunus virginiana) fruit; butterfly larvae feed on foliage Flowering dogwood 40 Fruit consumed by many birds including cedar FS-PS Fall (Cornus florida) waxwings, catbirds, and robins; currently infected by dogwood anthracnose, so not recommended for planting Hawthorn 25 Good nest sites for birds; fruit for cedar wax- FS-PS Fall to spring (Crataegus spp.) wings, fox sparrows, small mammals, deer Persimmon 50 Fruit consumed by many birds and FS-PS Late summer to (Diospyros virginiana) mammals winter Red mulberry 60 Many birds and mammals attracted to fruit FS-PS Summer (Morus rubra) Serviceberry 30 Robins, cedar waxwings, rose-breasted All Early summer (Amelanchier spp.) grosbeaks, and other birds and mammals consume fruit Shrubs American elderberry 13 Fruit, cover, and nest sites for many birds, All Late summer (Sambucus canadensis) including robins and catbirds Blackberry, raspberry 6 Berries provide abundant summer food; FS-PS Early to late summer (Rubus spp.) nest sites for birds, cover for small mammals 4

Name Height (ft) Wildlife value Exposure Fruit/seeds available

Shrubs, continued Common spicebush 12 Veery, wood thrush, and other fall migrants FS-PS Late summer (Lindera benzoin) feed on the high-fat fruits; spicebush swallowtail feeds on leaves Coralberry 6 Hummingbirds attracted to nectar; songbirds FS-PS Fall to spring (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) and gamebirds enjoy cover, fruit, nest sites Dogwoods Up to 8 Many varieties of dogwoods are S-PS Summer to early fall (Cornus spp.) attractive landscaping shrubs and provide fruit and cover for wildlife Highbush blueberry 12 Eaten by a variety of species, including FS-PS Summer to fall (Vaccinium corymbosum) orchard orioles, eastern bluebirds, grouse, black bear, and mice Highbush cranberry 17 Red fruit often lasts through winter; consumed FS-PS Fall to spring (Viburnum trilobum) by ruffed grouse, wild turkey, brown thrasher Staghorn sumac 15 Fruit persists through winter and is an FS-PS Summer to spring (Rhus typhina) important emergency food for a variety of birds in early spring Viburnums (Viburnum spp.) 10 Many varieties of viburnums are attractive S-PS Summer to early fall landscaping shrubs and provide fruit and cover for wildlife, particularly in late summer and during fall migration Winterberry 10 Winter food source PS-S Late summer to winter (Ilex verticillata)

Vines American bittersweet Up to 20 Fruit, cover, nest sites; important winter FS-S Fall to winter (Celastrus scandens) food source Clematis Climber Abundant white flowers offer nectar for FS-PS Spring to summer (Clematis virginiana) hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators Trumpet honeysuckle Up to 50 Nectar for butterflies, moths, hummingbirds; FS-PS Summer to fall (Lonicera sempervirens) cover, fruit for birds and small mammals Trumpet vine Climber Hummingbirds attracted to flowers FS Summer to fall (Campsis radicans) Virginia creeper 30–50 Cover and fruit for birds and small mammals S Late summer to spring (Parthenocissus) lasting through winter Wild grape High Cover, food, and nest sites for birds and FS-PS Late summer to fall (Vitus spp.) climber small mammals Exposure: FS = full sun PS = part sun S = shade Rae Chambers

Dogwood Illustrations by by Illustrations Hawthorn 5

■ What will the ultimate dimensions of Questions to Ask When this plant be? How much space will it For Further Information Planning, Selecting, and need? For additional information and sources of Planting It is good to site a plant where it can reach assistance, see: normal size without excessive pruning. To avoid problems, there are questions Plants placed too close to buildings or Pennsylvania Wildlife: Wildlife-Habitat you should ask nursery personnel when driveways may not grow well or live long. Relationships you select plants and develop your land- Nursery personnel can tell you what the scape plan. mature size will be. Pennsylvania Wildlife: Managing Habitat for Eastern Bluebirds ■ Will this plant produce fruit? ■ Which exposure is best for this plant You may be selecting a plant because (north, south, east, or west side of the Pennsylvania Wildlife: Meadows and Prai- of the value of its fruit for wildlife and house)? ries: Wildlife-Friendly Alternatives to Lawns be disappointed to discover it does not Some plants need a shady, cool location produce fruit. Many ornamental trees on the north side and do poorly in the Pennsylvania Wildlife: Attracting Humming- and shrubs have been bred to produce no warmth of a southern site. Others require birds fruit. For example, ornamental fruit trees, full sun and protection from prevailing Pennsylvania Wildlife: Gardening for such as flowering cherry, flowering peach, winds. Fruit and nut-bearing plants Butterflies or flowering plum, usually produce only normally need full sun to produce a good showy flowers and no fruit. yield. Most nurseries can tell you how Pennsylvania Wildlife: Managing Habitat for much sun your plant will need. You can Eastern Cottontails ■ Will this fruit tree, nut tree, or small also observe the environment where the fruit shrub need cross-pollination with a plant grows in the wild, or consult a native Pennsylvania Wildlife: Neighborly Natural plant of a different variety to yield a crop? plant book for cultural information. Landscaping: Creating Natural Environ- Many apple trees need cross-pollination ments in Residential Areas with a different apple variety to bear fruit. ■ What type of soil does this plant prefer? How alkaline or acidic should the Most nut trees yield a crop only if a tree of Pennsylvania Wildlife: Winter Bird Feeding: soil pH be for this plant? the opposite sex is planted nearby. Holly, The Basics sumac, and spicebush require both sexes to Types of soil include loam, sandy, or clay set fruit. Thus, it is best to ask about polli- soil. You can find out what soil type and Pennsylvania Wildlife: Managing Habitat for nation requirements when you purchase pH your plant needs from the nursery American Kestrels your plant. where you bought the plant. You can determine the pH of your soil by submit- Pennsylvania Wildlife: Water for Wildlife: ■ Will this plant be hardy in my area? ting a sample to your county extension Bird Baths and Backyard Ponds Winter climate zones in this state are zone office for testing. 5 (average minimum temperature –20 Pennsylvania Wildlife: Vernal Ponds: to –10°F) and zone 6 (–10 to 0°F). Your ■ How should I plant and care for my Seasonal Habitats for Wildlife area may include microclimates where new plant? temperatures may be colder or warmer Upon request, most nurseries will supply Pennsylvania Wildlife: Riparian Buffers for than these zones. Your county extension information about how to plant, water, Wildlife office can tell you the temperature range and nurture your new plant so that it for your area. will thrive. All are available from your county extension office.

■ How much moisture does my plant need? It’s important to determine how much moisture a particular plant requires so that it will thrive where you plant it. If you establish a native plant in its preferred site, then watering and fertilizing beyond the first year may not be necessary. Mulch the area under the canopy to conserve water and maintain a consistent root temperature. 6

extension.psu.edu Authors Ursula Sherrill, former wildlife exten- Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research and extension programs are funded in part by Pennsyl- sion assistant, and Margaret C. Britting- vania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ham, professor of wildlife resources Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Extension is implied. Acknowledgment This publication is available in alternative media on request. Partial funding for this fact sheet was provided by Pennsylvania’s Wild Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment Resource Conservation Fund. opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Produced by Ag Communications and Marketing